Ensuring access to responsibly -mined materials
At Sibelco, we are committed to the responsible management of all of our mineral deposits, ensuring a sustainable supply of high-quality materials for our customers based on long-term resource management. Thanks to this commitment to sustainable mineral extraction, Sibelco has permitted access to some 20 years of high-quality silica sand reserves globally, together with long-term supplies of other glass minerals including dolomite, nepheline and feldspar. Our aim is to continuously maintain this level of reserves, creating certainty for our customers and their future strategies.
Optimisation of materials
The materials used in a glass batch can reduce or increase melting temperatures, as well as affecting reject levels and end-glass quality. Optimisation of these materials requires in-depth understanding and expertise. At Sibelco, we have established a Centre of Excellence for Glass with a dedicated team of glass industry experts, scientists and lab technicians. In collaboration with external partners, we have been conducting extensive research and development focused on existing and new materials to create new solutions and optimise our customers’ results.
Recycled materials
Sibelco is at the forefront of glass recycling in Europe, each year sourcing and transforming over 1 million tonnes of glass waste into high-quality cullet. Beyond cullet, Sibelco is exploring further possibilities for secondary raw materials, such as slags, ashes and other by-products. Secondary materials will only be feasible for use in glass manufacturing if they meet strict criteria for consistency, quality and availability.
